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But she could curse at them all she wanted—inwardly, at least—and it wouldn’t change the fact that theywereencouraging her to be a better version of herself. A version that, until recently, she hadn’t even known existed.

Before she could think about it and change her mind, she walked toward the ledge of the lazy river. Seeing the other girl was still preoccupied, she cleared her throat.

Veronica looked up expectantly. “Yes?”

Feeling silly, she crouched so that their conversation could be at least a little private. “Um, hi… so, first of all, thanks for inviting me.”

The other woman’s slim eyebrows rose. “You’re welcome.”

“Yeah, and uh, about yesterday…”

If she’d been hoping the other woman would make this easier on her, she’d go on hoping in vain.

“I was a jerk. I was going through some stuff, but that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way and…” She took a deep breath. This was even harder than she’d thought it would be, probably because she had next to no practice. “Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot… to be honest, I don’t think I evenhavea right foot.”

Veronica cracked a smile.

It hadn’t even been what she meant, but Chyanne never overlooked an opportunity. “Seriously, I have two wrong feet. But what I’m trying to say is, I won’t be here for much longer, but while I am… I’d really like us to be friends.” And not knowing what else to do, what else to say, she held her breath. Saying the words had been hard and vulnerable, but this was the worst because all she could do was wait. The power was all in Veronica’s hands.

The other woman looked at her, her face impassive. “Really?”

Knots formed in the pit of her belly, but she made herself nod. “Really.”

“Well, to be perfectly honest, I don’t think I can accept your apology unless you make it up to me.”

What was this, half an olive branch? Still, Chyanne decided to reach for it. “Okay. How do I do that?”

Veronica finally burst into a smile. “Get in.”

It took a moment for her words to register, and when they did, she blinked in surprise. “In the water?”

Veronica slapped the water and sent a spray sailing toward her. “Yes, in the water!”

Laughing at seeing the other woman’s fun side, Chyanne nodded. “Okay. I’m wearing pajamas though.”

“No one cares what you’re wearing, I promise.”

With that, she peeled off the robe, backed up from the pool, and then sped toward it. “Cannon ball!” she cried out before jumping into the water.

When she surfaced, wet and grinning for all she was worth, it was to the sound of cheers all around her.

* * *

Aaron

“Hey, Chandler. Wake up, big guy.” When the other dom didn’t move, Aaron gave him a shake.

He groaned and opened an eye. “What? What is it?”

“We overslept, dude.”

Both of his eyes opened and he sat up. “Isn’t it Saturday?”

“Yeah, but the cardinal has flown the coop.”

Chandler peered at him, uncomprehending, then fell back onto the bed with a grunt. “I haven’t had coffee. English, please.”

“Chyanne. She’s gone.”